Peter Fraser has been the winemaker and driving force behind Yangarra Estate Vineyard since 2000.
He believes Yangarra’s success stems from its remarkable land, the passion of a talented and dedicated team, with a “pursuit of excellence” mindset.
Peter’s winemaking philosophy is grounded on three pillars: relentless attention to detail, a commitment to gentle and sensitive practices, and innovative techniques that culminate in wines expressing a distinctive purity.
This approach relies on observing, questioning, and responding to bring out the best of each season.
Peter’s near obsession with the expression of place and variety, drives meticulous farming in the vineyard and innovation in the winery. He is constantly reflective on every wine bottled—what was successful, how it could have been better, and the philosophy of “Always a little further.”
Peter is a scholar of the Len Evans Tutorial and is actively involved in regional and state wine shows around Australia, holding the position of panel chair and judge.
Recognized for his leadership with Grenache and Shiraz, he has been awarded “Winemaker of the Year” by global wine publications, including Halliday Wine Companion (2015) and most recently listed in the Drinks Business Top 100 Global Winemakers 2025.
Under his leadership, Yangarra is the only winery to be awarded Halliday Wine Companion, “Wine of the Year” twice for the same variety, for the 2021 Old Vine Grenache and the 2016 High Sands Grenache.
“At Yangarra, Peter Fraser is consistently producing some of Australia’s finest Grenache and Shiraz wines. He is a brilliant specialist with Southern Rhône varieties and almost everything he touches is gold." – Andrew Caillard, MW
“Yangarra is a widely admired star in the Australian wine firmament.” Jancis Robinson (2024)
Michael Lane
Vineyard Manager
Michael has been the vineyard manager at Yangarra since 2000. With a background in horticulture, Michael was instrumental in moving Yangarra from sustainable to organic and biodynamic farming practices beginning in 2008, and through this process, has helped to improve soil health, wine quality and deepen the connection between the wines and the land.
As a respected leader in McLaren Vale’s viticulture community, Michael is a member of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Advisory Group, previously the chair of the McLaren Vale Crop Watch Committee, and former chair of the McLaren Vale Growers Development Group.
“These techniques give our wines a better chance to reflect their particular sites. They are more individual and more expressive of their location".
“It’s better: better for the land and better for the people who no longer have to handle those old chemicals.”
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